Background

This program was implemented in 1993 in in response to consultations in Friendship Centre communities which found the incidence of alcohol and substance abuse was increasing in urban Indigenous communities. The corresponding lack of culturally-appropriate services resulted in little to no impact on alcohol and substance abuse through mainstream intervention amongst urban Indigenous people.

Starting in 2018, Indigenous Mental Health and Wellness Program (IMHWP) workers were placed at sites to complement this program, working in a collaborative model to ensure community members in need of mental health and additions supports receive wholistic, wraparound services.

Program Overview

To provide wholistic and culture-based supports, responsive to the needs of mental health and addictions for urban Indigenous individuals and families. The Treatment & Aftercare Coordinator implements trauma-informed and strengths-based cultural approaches to address community-based mental health and well-being concerns. This is done through individual and group services including peer counselling, sharing circles and other traditional and land-based activities that support the achievement of Good Mind.

Program Goals

This program works to:

  • Improve physical well-being for individuals and families through the
  • promotion of healthy lifestyles, and activities;
  • Improve mental well-being using strengths-based approaches to achieve
  • and maintain a good mind;
  • Support and improve individual and family emotional well-being and the
  • ability to recognize and maintain healthy relationships; and
  • Provide access to cultural knowledge and activities that foster self-respect
  • and identity.

Contact the Treatment & Aftercare Coordinator

Calendar of Events